Safety and efficacy of non-continuous echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis: a single-center study of 478 patients.

BACKGROUND: There are limited contemporary data on the safety and efficacy of echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis in Italy. The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of pericardiocentesis, performed with non-continuous echocardiography monitoring. All the procedures performed at Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, from January 2001 to June 2013, were retrospectively analyzed to determine risks connected to the procedure and its success rate. Epidemiological data, procedure indications and etiology of the effusions were also recorded.

METHODS: In the study period, 478 pericardiocentesis were performed for cardiac tamponade (N.=161), to remove large amount of fluid (N.=215) or for diagnostic purposes (N.=102). Echocardiographic evaluation, performed just before the procedure, was used to define the site of entry, to measure the distance from the skin to the fluid, and to establish how to direct the needle.

RESULTS: We observed an extremely low rate of complications (<1%), without any death. The procedure was fully successful in 98% of cases and achieved only partial fluid removal in the remained 10 patients. The etiology of the effusion was malignancy or post cardiothoracic surgery in almost 60% of cases. Over the years there was an increase of pericardiocentesis performed after a cardiothoracic surgery (P=0.002); There was a significant reduction of the average amount of drained fluid in the years 2010-2013 vs. the period 2001-2009.

CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is an effective and safe procedure, with a low rate of complications.